• Those who are sick, suffering, or in need: Brian, Peter.
• Those who have died. Those who mourn.
• Those affected by conflict or natural disasters around the world.
• Archbishop Sixbert and the Diocese of Buyé (Updated list of Twinned Parishes).  
• Our relations in Christ from Treaty 6 and Treaty 8 First Nations, from the Métis Nation of Alberta, and from the Métis Settlements in Alberta.
• Click here if you would like someone's name included in this prayer list. We will use first names only. Names are kept on the list for two weeks unless intentionally renewed at the end of those two weeks.

Please hold Bishop Stephen London in your prayers as he serves parishes throughout the diocese and connects with our partners and friends beyond the diocese. The following service dates have been scheduled:

• February 3: RAPS (Retired Anglican Priests and Spouses) Luncheon
• February 4: St. Mary’s, Ponoka, 10 am
• February 4: Evensong, All Saints' Cathedral, 7 pm
• February 8: Clergy Day, Good Shepherd, Edmonton
• February 11: "Together in Faith: Confronting Racism," Faith Spaces | Safe Spaces, Boyle Street Plaza

Bishop Stephen London is excited to announce that Racial Justice Sunday will be observed in the Diocese of Edmonton on Sunday, February 11, 2024. This new anti-racism initiative led by the diocesan anti-racism team is modeled on a similar initiative by the Church of England.

"Walking forward as a church in a good way around this question of racial justice is central to our gospel proclamation. It is part of the fourth mark of mission, one of the goals of our Finding Our Way strategic path and a central goal of our national church commitments," says Bishop Stephen. 

In February, the Anglican Church of Canada will mark the 30th anniversary of the day it first consecrated a woman as bishop. The Rt. Rev. Victoria Matthews was consecrated suffragan bishop in the Diocese of Toronto in 1994; and 9th Bishop of Edmonton in 1997. She is currently the episcopal administrator of the Anglican Diocese of Moosonee and bishop in residence for St. Matthew’s Anglican Cathedral in Timmins, Ontario.

Matthews was only the 5th woman to be consecrated as bishop in the worldwide Anglican Communion. Barbara Harris of the Episcopal Church in the United States had been the first, in 1989.

“Over the past 50 years, the Anglican Church of Canada has opened itself to the leadership of ordained women, first as priests and then as bishops,” said Archbishop Linda Nicholls, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada. “Their gifts and perspectives have enriched our church, bringing different points of view on scripture, ministry, human relationships and world events.”

Pictured, from left: Bishops Victoria and Jane (holding Graeme Meek Sharman) with Dean Alex Meek in 2018.

Since 2021, Say Yes! to Kids has provided more than $41,000 in funding to 6 projects in the Diocese of Edmonton. Beneficiaries in the Edmonton diocese include:

• Faith’s, Edmonton: Gathering Strength: Youth Sharing and Learning
• Good Shepherd, Edmonton: We Belong Together Youth Drop-in Centre
• Diocese of Edmonton Children’s Choir
• Paul’s, Edmonton: Anglican Youth Retreat Connection
• Paul’s, Edmonton: St. Paul’s Kids’ Club
• Michael and All Angels, Edmonton: Upgrading for the Present and the Future of Children’s Ministry

Say Yes! to Kids (SYTK) is an annual fundraising appeal sponsored by the Anglican Foundation of Canada (AFC) to fund church-led programs and initiatives that support children, youth, and young adults.

New to the 2024 campaign is the celebration of Say Yes! to Kids Sunday on June 2. The SYTK Sunday liturgy will be the spiritual focal point for the movement. It will be a flexible, adaptable resource that any church can use—whether it has an active campaign, or an active youth ministry—providing suggested readings, hymns, collects and other resources that may be adapted to any context.

Register Here to receive the SYTK Sunday resources or to pre-register a fundraising team for the 2024 campaign.

Due to recent changes to governmental regulations and processes, the Diocese of Edmonton has identified a pressing need for a group of faithful volunteers to help assist with refugee settlement monitoring for the refugees coming to Edmonton through Diocesan and parish sponsorship.

We hope to build two unique refugee support teams consisting of individuals with a heart for refugee and resettlement support (individuals may serve on both teams if they are so called).

The Rev. Tim Chesterton, warden of lay evangelists, and the Rev. Eric Kregel, a priest in the diocese, are training the next cohort of licensed lay evangelists in the Diocese of Edmonton. Watch this video to hear some examples of non-traditional evangelism.

The Edmonton diocese is now accepting applications for the 2024-25 Lay Evangelist Formation Program. The formation will be led by the Rev. Tim Chesterton, Warden of Lay Evangelists, over 10 Saturday modules (approximate time frame 10 am to 3 pm), at Good Shepherd Anglican Church, 15495 Castle Downs Rd, Edmonton. We anticipate completing seven modules in 2024, and the remaining three in early 2025, concluding with a licensing of new evangelists later in the spring of 2025. If interested, please see the following documents and application forms:

1. Lay Evangelists in the Diocese of Edmonton
2. Lay Evangelists Outline of Modules 2024-25
3. Lay Evangelists Application Process 2024
4. Lay Evangelist Application Form 2024
5. Rector Endorsement Form 2024
6. Vestry Endorsement Form 2024

The Voces Alegres Spanish/English Community Choir invites you to "Sing with Us!" on Wednesdays, from 7:7:15 to 9:30 pm, at St. Paul's, 10127 145 St NW, Edmonton. Minimal registration fee. All voices welcome! For more info, email vocesalegreschoir@gmail.com . POSTER

You are invited to join All Saints', Drayton Valley on Thursday, February 1, 6:30 pm, for a Paint Night with Creative Spark. Get creative and make beautiful art you can take home in support of All Saints' refugee ministry. To reserve your spot, $50/seat, email office@allsaintsdraytonvalley.ca . POSTER

Come and celebrate the launch of the Lodgepole Cafe at St. Mary's, 11203 68 St NW, Edmonton, on Saturday, February 3, from 11 am to 4 pm. This event, featuring free admission and live music, will showcase staples from Lodgepole Bakery including sourdough bread, samosas, chapati, mandezi, kombucha, coffee and more! Order bread in advance to pick up on Saturday.

Jeffrey Hanger, Primate's World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) rep, Diocese of Edmonton, invites all parish reps and those who are interested to join him at a gathering and lunch at the Synod Office on Saturday, February 10, 10 am to 12 pm. This is an opportunity to meet Jeff and parish reps from across the diocese. There is no cost to attend, but please RSVP for lunch by February 7.

The SJE (St. John the Evangelist, Edmonton) Youth Group is getting a team together to participate in the  Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) 5k walk hosted by the Mustard Seed. Held on Saturday, February 24, this annual 5K walk raises much-needed funds for local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. To learn more and donate, go to https://cnoy.org/home . Search by team name: “St. Strummer” or “YEG Anglican Youth”  

The Mustard Seed is a Christian non-profit organization that has been caring for individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty since 1984.

Holy Living, Holy Dying Lenten Series: During this Lenten season, Good Shepherd Anglican Church, 15495 Castle Downs Road, offers an opportunity to come together on Saturday mornings, starting February 24, to explore common experiences of living our lives. Through conversation and presentation, we offer the gift of delving into some topics that we sometimes haven’t found the right moment to explore yet. Dementia, Wills, Funeral Home Options and Planning a Celebration of Life Service, Medical Assistance in Dying, Holy Living and Holy Dying - A Good Death. We’ll start each week with coffee and muffins at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at approx. 11:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome!

Have you thought about going deeper in your faith by attending a Cursillo Weekend? The weekend runs from Friday evening, May 3 to late Sunday afternoon, May 5. It revolves around a series of talks given by a team of lay people and clergy. Small group discussions follow the talks. There are times for worship, fellowship, personal reflection, prayer, and song. The weekend is a time for you, as a Christian, to be strengthened in your spiritual journey. This weekend is open to all Christians 18 years and older. For more info, e-mail cursilloedmonton@gmail.com |  BROCHURE

We are happy to share news and pictures, or help promote upcoming events (ie. youth gathering, parish fundraiser, worship service, community outreach, public lecture) in Synod Scene, our weekly e-newsletter to clergy, parishes and subscribers. Please click the link to the form below to tell us about your news and event . Upload a graphic or picture (horizontal / landscape orientation; 1500x784 px), and your event poster (if you have one). Submissions must be received by Tuesday at noon to guarantee their inclusion in the current week's newsletter. Have questions? Email Margaret Glidden, communications@edmonton.anglican.ca; or call 780-439-7344

The Bishop of Edmonton invites applications for the position of Incumbent of the parish of St. Patrick’s, Edmonton. This is a 3/4-time position.

The Parish of St. Patrick’s is a close-knit family parish seeking a priest with a heart for pastoral care and community connection. The parish has an active and faithful core of parishioners and is a hub for community and rental groups.

The Bishop of Edmonton invites applications for the position of Incumbent of the parish of St. George’s in Devon. This is a 0.25 time position.

The Parish of St. George’s is a welcoming, intimate, spiritual church community with an active and stable congregation. They enjoy worshipping together and being involved in ecumenical and community events. Their lives together involve good coffee, good company, and living out their faith with one another.

Will you help save a life this year? In 2023, members of Team Anglican made 131 blood and plasma donations to Canada's lifeline through Canadian Blood Services (CBS). Can you help us grow that total in 2024? 

To book your lifesaving appointment, call 1-888-236-6283 or visit Canadian Blood Services. Check your eligibility, then click here and enter our Partner ID: ANGL696986 to join Team Anglican. You won't just make a difference. You can make all the difference.

In this VIDEO, Fiona Brownlee, Aboriginal and Rural Communities Liaison, Diocese of Edmonton, shares a few ideas to continue moving forward on our reconciliation journey. Fiona is also available to do parish presentations in person or via Zoom. Please get in touch with her at f.brownlee@edmonton.anglican.ca or 780-312-9070. 

Cold and flu season is upon us, and COVID persists in all its variations. As we spend more time indoors, it is becoming more difficult to contain germs and protect vulnerable members of our communities. Please remember that a minor infection for one person can develop into a major sickness for someone else. If you are feeling unwell (ie. have a cough, runny nose, sore throat, chest congestion, fever...), please stay home.

Join Primate's World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) on February 1, at 11 am, on Zoom, as they launch their 2024 Lent resource. When you subscribe to the Lenten resource, you will receive a daily reflection by Dr. Sylvia Keesmaat, directly to your email inbox. Emails begin Ash Wednesday, February 14! Learn More

Star of the North Retreat Centre, St. Albert, is offering the following Truth & Reconciliation gatherings this February:

We are excited to be welcoming back Lewis Cardinal, the Project Manager for “kihcihkaw askiy–Sacred Land” in Edmonton, the first designated urban Indigenous ceremony grounds in Canada. Lewis is joining us for a full-day retreat on Saturday, February 10, entitled Sacred Land to explore the value of Indigenous healing practices and how communities thrive when they have a strong and vibrant connection to culture and traditions. Lewis Cardinal will weave together storytelling, wisdom, and experience from his long track record in Indigenous education, media production, and public service. 

Early pricing for this retreat ends this Friday, February 2 at noon.
Register now to join us in person ($100) or online ($70).

We hope you can rejoin us in-person or online for our next Reconciliation Through Justice evening on Thursday, February 15, at 7:00 pm (MT), as we welcome Elders Jo-Ann and Jerry Saddleback to speak on the topic A Plains Cree Perspective of Treaty 6. Together they work on their art and own and operate Câhcacêp Art & Tea House in Edmonton, Alberta. Suggested donation: $20

On February 11, from 1 to 4:30 pm, in conjunction with United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week, and during Black History Month, the  Faith Spaces | Safe Spaces initiative will bring together a growing network of passionate people from diverse spiritual and religious backgrounds who are committed to the work of anti-racism in the Edmonton area. This gathering at the Boyle Street Plaza, 9538-103A Street, Edmonton, will include multifaith and intercultural expressions of ceremony, prayer, song, and food. We will also hear from a gifted panel of speakers from different spiritual paths. Register for free on EventBrite 

Join the Anglican Church of Canada in honouring the 30^th anniversary of the episcopal ordination of Bishop Victoria Matthews, the first woman to be ordained bishop in the Anglican Church of Canada. In an interactive webinar on Monday, February 26, from 9 to 11 am, we will hear from a panel of women bishops about the joys and challenges of their ministry and their dreams for women in episcopal leadership. There will also be opportunities to reflect and ask questions.

The panelists will be:

• Bishop Victoria Matthews, episcopal administrator with the Diocese of Moosonee, who has served as suffragan bishop in the Diocese of Toronto, as Bishop of Edmonton in Alberta and as Bishop of Christchurch in New Zealand
• Bishop Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London, England
• Bishop Riscylla Shaw, suffragan bishop, Diocese of Toronto
• Archbishop Kay Goldsworthy, Archbishop of Perth, Anglican Church of Australia

St. Albert United Church, 20 Green Grove Drive, invites you to attend a showing of: “Doctrine of Discovery: Stolen Lands, Strong Hearts,”  on February 28, at 7 pm. Embrace an understanding of the Doctrine of Discovery and why it continues to be detrimental to the progress of reconciliation

Snacks and coffee will be provided. Q and A and discussion to follow. Free will donations may be made to the Justice and Reconciliation Fund.